Table Of ContentOntario Compost Quality Standards
Prepared by:
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Waste Management Policy Branch
Last Revision Date: July 25, 2012
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© Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2012
PIBS 8412
Ontario Compost Quality Standards 2
Ministry of the Environment
Ontario Compost Quality Standards
SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................................5
PART I – INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW......................................................................................7
1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................7
1.1 PURPOSE........................................................................................................................................7
1.2 OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................................................7
1.3 SCOPE............................................................................................................................................7
2.0 LEGISLATION, APPROVALS AND STANDARDS...................................................................8
2.1 APPLICATION FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE APPROVAL..............................................9
2.2 OTHER JURISDICTIONS..................................................................................................................9
PART II – COMPOST STANDARDS......................................................................................................10
3.0 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................10
3.1 COMPOST TESTING FOR COMPOST CATEGORIES AA, A AND B....................................................11
3.2 STANDARDS FOR METALS IN COMPOST.......................................................................................11
3.3 QUALITY OF FEEDSTOCK.............................................................................................................12
3.4 PATHOGENS.................................................................................................................................13
3.5 FOREIGN MATTER.......................................................................................................................14
3.6 MATURITY..................................................................................................................................15
3.7 LABELLING REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................16
PART III – USE OF COMPOST.......................................................................................................18
4.0 DETERMINING APPROPRIATE USE......................................................................................18
4.1 CATEGORY AA AND A COMPOST................................................................................................18
4.2 CATEGORY B AND OTHER COMPOSTED MATERIAL.....................................................................18
4.2.1 Category B Compost.............................................................................................................18
4.2.2 Other Processed Organics....................................................................................................19
5.0 ADDITIONAL COMPOST CHARACTERISTICS...................................................................20
5.1 ADDITIONAL MATURITY INDICATORS.........................................................................................21
5.2 ODOUR MANAGEMENT................................................................................................................21
PART IV – SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS......................................................................................23
6.0 FEEDSTOCK AND COMPOST SAMPLING............................................................................23
7.0 LABORATORY ANALYSIS........................................................................................................24
APPENDIX 1: FEEDSTOCK AND COMPOST SAMPLING...............................................................25
A1.0 SAMPLING PREPARATION............................................................................................................25
A1.1 SAMPLING COMPOST FOR QUALITY DETERMINATION.................................................................25
A1.1.1 General Considerations........................................................................................................25
A1.1.2 Sample Frequency................................................................................................................26
A1.1.3 Sampling Frequency Adjustment..........................................................................................26
A1.1.4 Sample Failure Policy (Re-Testing).....................................................................................27
A1.1.5 Sample Size...........................................................................................................................27
A1.1.6 Sample Locations..................................................................................................................27
A1.1.7 How to Take Random Grab Samples From a Lot of Compost..............................................28
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A1.1.8 Creating a Composite Sample..............................................................................................28
A1.2 SAMPLING FOR FEEDSTOCK CHARACTERIZATION.......................................................................28
A1.2.1 General Considerations........................................................................................................28
A1.2.2 Sample Frequency................................................................................................................29
A1.2.3 Sample Size...........................................................................................................................30
A1.2.4 Sample Locations..................................................................................................................30
A1.3 RECORDS.....................................................................................................................................31
A1.4 PREPARING A LABORATORY SUBMISSION SAMPLE......................................................................31
A1.4.1 Sample Containers................................................................................................................32
A1.4.2 Sample Handling and Submission........................................................................................32
APPENDIX 2: LABORATORY ANALYSIS...........................................................................................33
A2.0 SELECTING LABORATORIES FOR COMPOST ANALYSIS................................................................33
A2.1 ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGIES..................................................................................................33
A2.2 RECORDING AND REPORTING OF RESULTS..................................................................................34
APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY......................................................................................................................35
APPENDIX 4: OTHER RELEVANT REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS....................................39
APPENDIX 5: SELECTED REFERENCES..........................................................................................41
APPENDIX 6: EXCERPTS FROM THE 2004 INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR THE PRODUCTION
AND USE OF AEROBIC COMPOST IN ONTARIO (INTERIM GUIDELINES).............................43
APPENDIX 7: METHOD FOR DETERMINING ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION RATE FOR
CATEGORY A COMPOST......................................................................................................................45
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SUMMARY
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (ministry or MOE) has prepared revised standards for
aerobic composting of organic waste materials, supported by regulatory amendments. Ontario
Compost Quality Standards (Standards) updates and replaces, except as explained below, the
Interim Guidelines for the Production and Use of Aerobic Compost in Ontario (Interim
Guidelines), first released in November 1991, and last updated in 2004.
Some environmental compliance approvals (ECAs) issued under Part II.1 of the Environmental
Protection Act (EPA) before January 1, 2013 incorporate the Interim Guidelines in whole or in
part. Where a facility’s ECA was issued before January 1, 2013, and the facility operator wishes
to take advantage of the new compost categories, the standards for metals in compost, the quality
of feedstock and pathogens in the Standards must be met. This means conditions in the ECA that
deal with standards for metals in compost, the quality of feedstock and pathogens, including those
that incorporate the Interim Guidelines, would no longer apply. Conditions in the ECA, relating
to foreign matter (non-biodegradable particulate matters) and maturity (stability), including those
that incorporate the Interim Guidelines, remain in effect until July 1, 2015. After this date, all the
requirements in Part II of this document apply.
The Standards set out three categories of compost quality (AA, A and B).
In general, the Standards apply only to aerobic composting of non-hazardous organic materials
for the purpose of producing a humus-like material intended for use as a soil conditioner. Some
composting operations (such as backyard composters, on-site composters, and on-farm
composting of agricultural wastes) are beyond the scope of the Standards.
In addition, the Standards do not address:
processes that are not aerobic (such as anaerobic digestion and fermentation),
biological treatment of hazardous wastes, and
processes to produce products that are not intended for use as a soil conditioner (such as the
production of animal feed).
The standards in this document are referred to in Regulation 347 (General – Waste Management),
made under the EPA, and are part of that regulation.
In the event that any information in this document differs from the legislation, the legislation
prevails. Anyone relying on this document should ensure that they have the most recent version
of Regulation 347 and this document. To ascertain relevant legal obligations beyond those dealt
with in this document, or with respect to any other legal question, the interested party should
consult a lawyer.
The provisions in Part II are incorporated into Regulation 347 and O. Reg. 267/03 General
Regulation made under the NMA, 2002 and, as such, are law. Mandatory language such as
“must” and “shall” is therefore used in these provisions.
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This document consists of four parts:
Part I includes introductory information and an overview of the legislative framework.
Part II sets out standards for feedstock and compost, which are implemented through regulation.
Part III includes compost use requirements and considerations.
Part IV includes guidance for feedstock and compost sampling, and laboratory analysis.
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PART I – INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
Composting provides many benefits. Composting not only diverts organic materials from
disposal in landfills, it also helps return nutrients and organic matter to the soil, providing a
valuable material for agriculture, horticulture and landscaping.
The purpose of this document is to set environmentally protective standards for the production of
compost for beneficial uses.
This document also provides details on the regulatory framework under Regulation 347, which
would exempt compost that meets certain compost quality standards from the need for an ECA
for use and transport.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Standards are to:
set a framework that will increase diversion of waste from disposal by increasing the
composting of organic waste,
prevent negative impacts on the environment by ensuring that compost produced in Ontario
meets high standards for quality.
1.3 SCOPE
The Standards apply to compost produced by aerobic composting of non-hazardous organic
materials – including food waste, wood, pulp and paper mill biosolids, sewage biosolids and de-
watered domestic septage. Compost should be produced with good judgment and significant
practical experience in the handling of compostable wastes, the composting process, and
marketing of the end product.
Compost to which the Standards apply must meet the compost standards presented in Part II of
this document.
The Standards do not apply to compost produced under the following circumstances:
if the compost is produced from:
leaf and yard waste and regulated by O. Reg. 101/94 made under the EPA
“regulated dead animals” and “dead farm animals” under the Food Safety and
Quality Act, 2001 and the NMA;
“specified risk material” (SRM) which is subject to Canadian Food Inspection
Agency permitting requirements;
residential backyard composting;
products not intended for application to land or for use as a soil conditioner (e.g. production
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of a waste-derived animal feed);
biological treatment of hazardous wastes;
management of excess soils from construction activities;
remediation of contaminated soils; information on remediation procedures is contained in
Ontario Regulation 153/04 - Record of Site Condition made under the EPA.
The Standards also do not apply to other processes for the treatment of organic wastes such as
anaerobic digestion and vermicomposting, or other waste stabilization methods (such as lime
stabilization, fermentation, pasteurization), as the pathogen reduction requirements in the
Standards are not typically applicable to these processes. Applications for approval for these
types of organics processing will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This document provides some general information on the use of compost on both agricultural and
non-agricultural lands. However, a detailed discussion of practices for the use of compost in
home and garden, horticultural and agricultural and non-agricultural applications is beyond the
scope of this document. Additional information on the application of compost on agricultural
lands is available from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
www.ontario.ca/nasm-omafra. Additional information on the application of compost on non-
agricultural lands is available from the ministry.
2.0 LEGISLATION, APPROVALS AND STANDARDS
The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for protecting clean and safe air, land and water
to ensure healthy communities, ecological protection and sustainable development for present and
future generations of Ontarians. Numerous acts and regulations exist to help the ministry fulfill
this mandate. This section provides a brief overview of the key environmental legislation that
may relate to composting:
The Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19 (EPA), and Regulation 347
(General – Waste Management) – regulate waste management activities, including the
receiving and processing of organic waste materials by compost facilities, as well as the
application and use of compost in non-agricultural applications.
The Ontario Water Resources Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.40 (OWRA) – regulates discharges
to surface and groundwater, including stormwater and leachate from composting
facilities, to ensure that water resources are protected.
The Nutrient Management Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 4 (NMA), and Ontario Regulation
267/03 – regulates the application and storage of nutrients, including compost, on
agricultural lands.
The Clean Water Act, S.O. 2006, c. 22 (CWA) – ensures that communities can identify
potential risks to their drinking water supplies, and take actions to reduce these risks.
The Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.18, (EAA) – provides for the
protection and conservation of the natural environment.
The Environmental Bill of Rights 1993, S.O. c. 28 (EBR) – protects, conserves and,
where reasonable, restores the integrity of the environment, provides sustainability of the
environment and protects the right to a healthful environment.
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This document is intended only as a general guide to some of the environmental legislation
administered by the ministry. Composting facilities may be subject to other federal, provincial, or
municipal laws, and may require permits or approvals from agencies other than the MOE.
2.1 APPLICATION FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE APPROVAL
Unless otherwise exempt, a composting facility will require one or more environmental
compliance approvals (ECAs) to operate.
The ministry requires certain information in order for the Director to process an application and
make approval decisions about a proposed facility. The proponent must provide the Director with
all requested information, as part of the ECA application. Documentation submitted in support of
an ECA application, as well as conditions contained in the ECA issued by the Director, become
legally binding on the facility operator.
Information requirements may be modified by the Director, depending on the nature or location
of the proposed facility.
Applications for ministry approvals can be obtained from the nearest ministry regional or district
office or from the ministry website. Other documents are available on the ministry’s website that
may be of assistance when completing an application, for example:
Introductory Guide to Applying for an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA),
December 2011, PIBS 8579e (as amended).
Applicants are encouraged to visit the ministry’s website for additional or updated guidance
material, as changes may have occurred after this document was produced.
2.2 OTHER JURISDICTIONS
The ministry is not the only agency concerned with the production and use of compost. Several
regulatory and voluntary standards for compost production and use have been developed in recent
years. In particular, facility operators should be aware of the following compost quality initiatives
which are briefly described in Appendix 4:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the sale and import of compost
under the federal Fertilizers Act;
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has developed a national
guideline for compost quality;
The Bureau de Normalization du Quebec (BNQ), on behalf of the Standards Council of
Canada, has published a national voluntary industry standard for compost.
Ontario Compost Quality Standards 9
PART II – COMPOST STANDARDS
3.0 INTRODUCTION
This Part of the Standards contains mandatory standards for compost including:
metals in compost,
quality of feedstock,
pathogens,
foreign matter content,
compost maturity, and
compost labelling.
The standards for compost quality presented here take into consideration protection of both the
environment and human health for long term compost application. As such, it is important that
compost always be used in accordance with label limits provided for end users. It is beyond the
scope of this document to present any discussion of compost handling and potential adverse
human health effects related to compost handling by workers or end users.
These compost standards are used to identify whether compost may be categorized as Category
AA, A or B compost. Compost that meets the requirements in this Part for Categories AA and A
is exempt from Regulation 347 and Part V of the EPA. See section 3 (2) 25 of Regulation 3471.
Compost that meets the requirements for Category B in this Part is not exempt from Regulation
347 and Part V of the EPA except where it is applied to agricultural land as a nutrient and
satisfies the requirements of O. Reg. 267/03 General Regulation made under the NMA. See
section 5.0.2 of Regulation 347.
The compost standards in this part are based on the need to protect the environment, and may not
include quality parameters of importance to specific end users of compost. Quality requirements
for specific market applications may be more stringent than those indicated in this document.
Therefore, meeting the standards in this document does not ensure that compost will meet the
needs of specific end users (e.g. nurseries). Part III contains more information on compost use
including additional compost quality recommendations (see section 5.0).
Additional recommended criteria (such as nutrient content, pH and salinity) can be found in the
BNQ Industry Standard, CAN/BNQ 0413-200/2005, Organic Soil Conditioners - Compost.
The Compost Quality Alliance, a voluntary industry program managed by the Compost Council
of Canada, may also be able to assist with confirming product quality with respect to specific end
uses.
1 Note: The first posting of this document on the Ministry’s website incorrectly referred to s. 3 (2) 24. The
correct reference is s. 3 (2) 25.
Ontario Compost Quality Standards 10
